Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS) is a very special spectro-analytical procedure used for the quantitative determination of various chemical elements in a sample with the use of optical radiation absorption by the light in the machine. The light is absorbed by the free metallic ions present in the sample being analyzed. The technique can be used in analytical chemistry to enable the determination of the concentration level of a specific element, which can also be called the analyte in the sample under analysis. Atomic absorption spectroscopy is highly effective and outstanding. In fact, it can successfully analyze more than 70 elements of different types. It does not matter if the elements are present in a solid sample or solution, the machine can successfully analyze it. The machine carries out its analysis using electrothermal vaporization. You can continue reading to learn more about what is atomic absorption spectroscopy.
The contribution of atomic absorption spectroscopy
Atomic absorption spectroscopy has so many uses that can contribute a great deal to the science world and also has a contribution to various areas of human endeavor. As we have mentioned earlier, the technique can be useful for the analysis of over 70 elements and the elements analyzed can be adopted in various areas like toxicology, archeology, biophysics and pharmacology researches. Information about what is atomic absorption spectroscopy can further open the eyes to the functions and effectiveness of this technique. At its inception, atomic absorption spectroscopy functioned as an analytical technique and the principle that forms its foundation were first established sometimes in the second half of the 19th century by professors at a German university.
How does it work?
Atomic absorption spectroscopy works based on a technique using atomic absorption spectrum of the particular sample under investigation. The technique is focused on assessing the concentration of the various analytes present in that sample individually. The technique can work better with the help of standards that can analyse the individual contents of the sample towards establishing the relationship existing between the concentration of the analyte and the measured absorbance. The analysis carried out by the machine is based on the Beer-Lambert law.
Easy to use
The atomic absorption spectroscopy is a very easy technique that does not require much expertise to use. It is a high-through technique with a difference and it is also inexpensive, which makes it easily accessible to different organizations across the globe, both analytical and educational. The primary function of the technology involves the analysis of the elements present in a solution. Over the years, it has been used in pharmaceutical, clinical research, water, beverage and food analysis. Atomic absorption spectroscopy is used for rapid testing method and has been applied extensively in quality control, toxicology and environmental testing. It is equally very easy to maintain, which makes it widely applicable.